The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as Messier 51a, is an interacting grand-design spiral galaxy with a Seyfert 2 active galactic nucleus. It lies in the constellation Canes Venatici. Captured in my backyard 13 February 2023, 306 frames at 45s (3h49m). For equipment, see old setup. For more details and annotated image see below. The picture was re-edited in March 2025, which was is not reflected in the image below.